The Washington Nationals optioned third baseman Carter Kieboom to Triple-A affiliate Rochester, according to Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports. The team also optioned 20-year old infielder Luis Garcia.
The 23-year old Kieboom entered Spring Training penciled in as the starting third baseman. It was at least his job to lose. Quite frankly, that’s what Kieboom did, lost his job.
He struggled mightily throughout Spring Training, hitting a mere .133 with a .204 on-base percentage in 45 at-bats. He closed out the spring going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts on Friday against the New York Mets.
The Nationals have shown patience with Kieboom, hoping he will be able to man the hot corner for years to come. However, he has yet to cement his spot. His disappointing spring adds to his struggles over the past two seasons.
Kieboom has hit .181/.309/.232 batter with two home runs and 11 RBIs in 165 plate appearances throughout his short MLB career.
With both Kieboom and Garcia being sent down, the Nationals presumably are in the market for second and third base, following roster cuts around the majors.
Other notables among the Nationals’ roster cuts include Jake Noll, who was designated on assignment, Yadiel Hernandez and reliever Kyle McGowin.
Washington did select the contracts of infielder Jordy Mercer and utility Hernan Perez.
The Nationals also reassigned 10 players to their minor league camp, including relievers Aaron Barrett, and Javy Guerra, catcher Wellington Castillo, and the popular Gerardo Parra.
Washington released left-hander TJ McFarland and outfield Yasmany Tomas from their minor league contracts.
